On the dot

A lot, perhaps too much, has been written pertaining to the pros and cons of the newly-installed speed cameras. Yet, the fact remains that the one at Notary Zarb Street, Attard, does not follow the general pattern. This street is in a densely built-up area and rightly classified with a speed limit of 50 kph. Yet, the camera is triggered only at speeds of 60 kph. Why?

Aliens

The number of illegal immigrants present in Malta could well exceed the quoted 13,000 by far. This is because, apart from the ones who make it to our shores after dangerous journeys across the sea, there are other people who arrive by the relative safety and comfort of a flight. How many foreigners, exactly, have overstayed their visas or work permits? Is there any government agency whose job it is to keep tabs on such people?

Smokescreens

Despite the ban on smoking in public places, it would seem that once more, route bus drivers make their own rules - and abide by them. One of these appears to be that it is perfectly fine to smoke in a bus - as long as you are the driver, and your fingers, holding the cigarette, hang out of the car between puffs. Seeing that some drivers set the bus in motion when they are still taking fares, this could result in a car being steered by the elbows on the wheel.

Noisy

Noise pollution in residential areas needs to be tackled seriously. There should be far more control on restaurants and bars that are not in tourist areas and tend to play music, screen football matches and remain open till the early hours. This should apply particularly to those in residential areas. Such places of entertainment appear to have proliferated in Ħamrun of late.

Tested

It has finally been announced that breast screening for females aged 50 and over will commence. One would have thought that it would have benefitted the country better were all women over 40 to be examined as well as those who have had direct line relatives who died of lymphatic system cancers.

Examinations

If certain information is given to the public as a matter of course, it would no doubt go towards lessening certain kinds of rumours. There are irrational fears concerning diseases that may be caught from airborne pathogens as well as irrational accusations about how transmission takes place. If the public knew exactly what sort of examinations illegal immigrants are being subjected to, many would set their mind at rest.

Nutty

Genetically-modified ingredients are listed in the panel of a plastic container of mixed nuts and legumes. Has the relevant legislation been passed to allow these products to go on sale locally? One can understand the warning notices about the possible presence of nuts but this, when given, is in much larger type than the aforesaid ingredients list.

Fashionable

Amanda Abela, from Marsascala, is another youngster who has done Malta proud. This student at the Rochester campus of the University for the Creative Arts has won the River Island fashion competition's menswear category. The competition was open to 50 universities across Britain.

Dripping

People tend to use Strait Street, in Valletta as a shortcut, just as they use Zachary Street, Frederick Street and others. However, negotiating that part between Sta Luċija and St John streets can be quite tricky. In this narrow part, dribbles and drips from the law courts' air conditioners and more from a place a little off the entrance of the Family Courts on the opposite side often catch unsuspecting pedestrians smack on the head. Moreover, since this narrow part of the street is open to traffic, people moving to the side to allow cars to pass are more likely to get hit.

Ruined...

Works were being carried out in Schembri Street, Ħamrun, by the side of Maria Regina Junior Lyceum. For some reason, a part of the pavement on the sports ground side appears to have caved in - and the vibrations have caused several cracks in the pavement. One hopes that these will be fixed before the workmen leave the site for, otherwise, the job will take years to be carried out.

...Pavements

A pattern of bricks was being laid in Bisazza Street, Sliema, on February 28. Workmen had to work around pedestrians who insisted on using the pavement because the street is usually full of traffic. Is it possible that the foreman of this job does not realise the job could have been done much swifter, and better, at another time?

Sandbagged

When the weather permits, people are already taking to the beaches for some sun, even if they do not actually dare to swim yet. It is a pity, therefore, that beaches such as that of San Ġorġ in St Julians are not cleaned regularly. Children, both locals and tourists, love to play in the sand - but the rotting seaweed leaves a nasty stench as it decays and sometimes it is so thick that it makes the sand inaccessible.

Elastic

Politicians are masters in fashioning arguments to suit their needs. First we are told the war is on plastic bags and then we find out that a loophole in the rules allows plastic bags to be used if their handles are clipped. One wonders who is the daftest: The people who accept such hollow reasoning or those who make them?